"Italians Of Montclair" An Oral History

Share in Montclair Italian Memories
Come see the Italians of Montclair
Oral History Project Exhibit, open until Dec. 28th.

The Crane House Museum, 110 Orange Road in Montclair - NJ

Created by Marisa Trubiano, Donato Di Geronimo and Ruth Kunstadter. Curated in collaboration with Laura Caparrotti.

The goal of this oral history project is to collect and preserve the precious traces of the Italian American experience in Montclair, New Jersey, throughout the community's history from the late 19th century to today. Tracing the history of the Italians of Montclair is only one component of an initiative that will identify and revalorize all the stories of the various communities whose unique experiences, woven together, form the rich tapestry that is the multiethnic Montclair experience. What is particularly unique about this component of the project is that it constitutes the first concerted effort to formally document and commemorate the Italian American presence in and contributions to this community. Who were, and are, the Italians of Montclair? What did they bring to the community, and what have they left behind? How do they practice their culture and how has their unique ethnic identity shaped their American experience?

The exhibit can be viewed as part of the regular guided tour of the Crane House, which is open Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 4pm and Sundays from 2 to 5pm (except Dec. 24-26). Tours take place on the hour with the last tour one hour before closing. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students (11-17) and free for children 10 and under. Half-price admission days will also take place Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28 with tours at 1, 2 and 3pm. For more information, contact the Montclair Historical Society at 973-744-1796, email mail@montclairhistorical.org or visit www.montclairhistorical.org.